LSulayman said:...
How can the universe expand while it's infinite?
LSulayman said:...
How can the universe expand while it's infinite?
marcus said:You have to understand what the cosmologists who say "expand" mean by that word.
They mean that distances between widely separated galaxies are increasing.
On average the rate of increase is currently about 1/140 of one percent every million years.
They do not mean that you could stand outside the universe and see it get bigger!
They are talking about a pattern of distance-growth seen from inside.
An infinite thing can have that pattern of distance-growth, just as easily as a finite thing.
It is expansion seen from the inside. So the thing does not have to be finite.
The current scientific understanding is that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. This means that the distances between galaxies are increasing over time.
Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the expansion of the universe, including analyzing the light from distant galaxies, studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, and observing the movement of objects in the universe.
The exact cause of the expansion of the universe is still a mystery. However, scientists theorize that it may be due to a force called dark energy, which makes up about 70% of the universe.
Based on current observations, it is believed that the expansion of the universe will continue forever. However, this is still a topic of ongoing research and there are alternative theories that suggest the expansion may eventually slow down or even reverse.
The concept of an expanding, infinite universe challenges our traditional understanding of the universe as static and unchanging. It also raises questions about the ultimate fate of the universe and the possibility of other universes existing beyond our own. This idea has led to new scientific discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the cosmos.